Shared Experiences
It can be a minefield trying to decide which counsellor is right for you — there are so many choices and different therapeutic approaches out there.
I’ve included some reflections from clients in the hope that their personal experiences give you a deeper sense of who I am and how I work. Counselling is a deeply personal experience, and I’ve respected each client’s choice to share their name, part of their name, or remain anonymous.
Richards experience
“Starting therapy can be a difficult thing. Just making the decision to start is a huge achievement in my opinion. Actually getting yourself sat in a room with a therapist can feel daunting — I was so nervous, I thought I was going to be sick before my first session.
But then, how do you even begin to find the right therapist? The choice online can feel overwhelming. If you’ve found this page, let me share my experience with Louise.
I came to her after a few years with a previous therapist, who had to retire due to ill health. Starting again was far from ideal — I was nervous and unsure all over again. But I found Louise to be warm, welcoming, and kind. She gave me time and space to talk in an atmosphere that felt calm, accepting, and safe.
She listened without judgment. Sometimes she offered empathy and emotional support, other times she gently helped me work things out in a more practical way. She seemed to know what I needed — and when. I felt like she was truly with me, on my side. I wasn’t alone anymore.
Louise was flexible too. When unexpected things happened and I needed support at short notice, she did her best to make space for me. Once, I missed a session by accident — she reached out to check in, and we ended up speaking by phone instead. All of it handled with patience and compassion.
I worked with Louise for about a year and a half until I felt ready to go it alone. Then, a few years later, I reached out again — and she made space for me during another tough time. I know that if things become overwhelming in future, she’ll be there.
I’m so glad I found her. I hope you are too.”– Richard (Colchester)